Grosbeak was launched as YMS-317, by the South Coast Shipyard, Newport Beach, California, on 27 February 1943; sponsored by Mrs. Marjorie Boutelle; and commissioned 18 November 1943.

She reached Charleston, South Carolina, via San Pedro, California, and the Panama Canal in June 1946 and again underwent overhaul.

Grosbeak spent most of her post-war career at the Mine Warfare School, Yorktown, Virginia, and the Naval Minecraft Base at Charleston as a training ship.

She also participated in various experiments at the Naval Mine Countermeasures Station, Panama City, Florida, and engaged in numerous exercises along the coast from New England to the Gulf of Mexico.

When she was not engaged in sweeping exercises, Grosbeak underwent periodic overhauls at Charleston and also visited Miami, Florida, and New York City.